How to Tell if You’re Allergic to Alcohol

Your body will almost certainly rebel if you drink too much alcohol in a night. But what if it reacts after just a sip or two? If you notice odd symptoms like facial flushing, a runny nose, or even a racing heartbeat after drinking, you might not just be sensitive to alcohol—you could be allergic.

While true alcohol allergies are uncommon, they do exist, and alcohol intolerance and reactions to ingredients in your favorite drinks are pervasive. Here’s how to spot the clues that you might not get along well with alcohol.